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The continuing coronavirus pandemic promises to make holiday travel a challenge again this year. (Well, that and the mess that is Denver International Airport.) But you don’t necessarily have to go far afield for a festive escape. Here, a curated list of Front Range hotels that are decked out with trees, lights, treats, and more.
Halcyon
The Cherry Creek hotel offers all the après fixings—no Epic Pass needed. Guests can luxuriate in private rooftop cabanas equipped with a fireplace, blankets, and cozy seating, while sipping on a holiday-themed cocktails and drinks like mulled wine. Consider the Naughty or Nice package, including a nightcap for two or breakfast at the Local Jones, or the Baby, It’s Cold Outside package, which, if you book three nights, will get you a fourth night free, as well as free parking and a $35 credit to the Local Jones. 245 Columbine St.; starting at $309; available until Jan. 3
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The Crawford Hotel
Families can step into a scene from A Charlie Brown Christmas thanks to this Union Station hotel special. Your stay will include a room decorated with a three-foot-tall Noble Fir, complimentary hot cocoa and popcorn, a selection of on-demand holiday movies, a Charlie Brown Christmas book, and a tree kit that includes a mini replica of Charlie Brown’s tree (courtesy of Tattered Cover Book Store). 1701 Wynkoop St.; starting at $370; available until Dec. 25
Hotel Boulderado
It’s hard to miss the decorations at this downtown Boulder institution: Once you step into the lobby, you’ll be met with a 28-foot-tall White Fir from New Mexico that’s decked out in hundreds of ornaments. Other holiday offerings include holiday tea service (from December 11 to 20), a Christmas Day buffet (including bone-in lamb and ham, as well as bourbon pecan pie), and two different packages: The Holiday Charm includes a $50 Downtown Boulder gift card, pastries and coffee from Boxcar Coffee Roasters, plus a keepsake Boulderado mug, and the Winter Wanderlust package allows visitors to book two nights and get a third one free. 2115 13th St., Boulder; starting around $200
Catbird
If you intend to spend the holidays binge-watching shows and filling up on snacks, consider elevating the experience with this hotel’s Catbird & Chill Holiday package. Each room at the five-month-old RiNo location has a giant screen and 4K Ultra HD Projector on which you can stream movies and shows. Plus, to ensure you never have to leave the room if you don’t want to, Catbird is offering a holiday menu, popcorn, movie candy, and hot chocolate kits. 3770 Walnut St.; starting at $254; available until Dec. 31
Gaylord Rockies Resort
Cure your kids’ winter break boredom with the Gaylord Rockies Resort’s Mission: Save Christmas interactive experience. Based on the Christmas classic Elf, the attraction includes activities (cookie making, for example), and scenery from the movie (like Buddy the elf’s department store). Adventure-seeking kids will enjoy the resort’s outdoor activity area that offers tubing, ice bumper cars, ice skating, and mini golf, while others can check out the gingerbread decorating corner and the Build-a-Bear workshop. 6700 N. Gaylord Rockies Blvd., Aurora; Mission: Save Christmas tickets start at $20; rooms start at $237
The Ramble Hotel
Those who prefer to spend the holiday season with a drink in their hand should visit Death & Co’s Holiday Suite, where bartenders will be slinging festive cocktails and cookies. To take the festivities up a notch, book the Spirited package, which gets guests Death & Co’s Cocktail Codex book, two complimentary drinks, plus access to the Holiday Suite. 1280 25th St.; starting at $269; available until Dec. 30
Hilton Denver Inverness
Not only will you be greeted with the usual trees and lights at this Englewood hotel, you’ll also get to immerse yourself a life-size, made-in-house gingerbread cottage. Opt for the Hilton’s Shop & Sip package and receive a $50 gift card to the Park Meadows Mall and a holiday beverage at the on-site Fireside Bar & Grill. You can also choose to stay on the premises for Christmas brunch, which includes a vanilla bean waffle bar, cherry-glazed crispy pork belly, hazelnut swirl cheesecake, and more. 200 Inverness Drive West, Englewood; starting at $124; available on weekend night stays until Dec. 26
The Maven
Next time the weatherman predicts snow (or if you’re simply looking for a change of scenery), book the Snowed In package, which includes complimentary hot cocoas from Kachina Cantina (plus Irish cream for those older than 21), chocolate chip cookies, and a console with more than 600 retro video games to play in your room. If you start to get cabin fever, don’t worry: the Dairy Block’s restaurants, bars, and shops are just steps away. 1850 Wazee St.; starting at $234; available until March 31
The Broadmoor
There’s no need to visit the Rockefeller Center to get a spectacular holiday-themed dinner and show. At Colorado Springs’ Broadmoor hotel, guests can book the Holiday Show package, which includes a one-night stay, 25 percent off usual rates, and most importantly, tickets to the the site’s holiday performance. Singer Sheena Easton will headline the festive experience with help from Broadway singer Marcus Lovett, Colorado-based songwriter, Jim Salestrom, the Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale, and the Broadmoor Pops orchestra. 1 Lake Ave., Colorado Springs; starting at $585; Dec. 17–19, 24, and 26